Written Answers Nos. 239-254
239. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has engaged with Fingal County Council regarding the draft Dunsink Urban Area Plan, specifically, the provision of a Luas Green Line extension from Broombridge to Tyrrelstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54305/26]
View answer240. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Luas Green Line extension from Broombridge to Tyrrelstown; the timeline for its development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54306/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 240 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
The Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 was published by the NTA in January 2023. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
There are four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the 2022-2042 lifetime of the strategy. These are proposed expansions of the Luas network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg, and Bray. Other possible projects, identified in the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042, for delivery in the period after 2042 include a Green Line extension to Tyrrelstown and a light rail line from the City Centre to Blanchardstown.
As part of the periodic review of the Transport Strategy, the demand for possible orbital light rail lines will also be considered, again for delivery after 2042. In reviewing the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042, the NTA will be informed in part by TII and their Luas 2050 vision.
Given the NTA's responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, my Department has not, to my knowledge, engaged with Fingal County Council regarding the draft Dunsink Urban Area Plan. I expect that the NTA will engage with Fingal County Council on the matter.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in these matters, I have referred the Deputy's question to NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office, if you do not receive reply within 10 days.
241. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has received any briefings or correspondence from the National Transport Authority or Transport Infrastructure Ireland on proposals to open MetroLink in phases, including opening the Swords section before the remainder of the line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54320/26]
View answer242. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has received an updated timetable for the delivery of MetroLink within the past 12 months; if that timetable includes the phased opening of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54322/26]
View answer243. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has assessed the impact that a phased opening of MetroLink would have on project delivery, passenger services and the expected completion date for the full route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54323/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 241, 242 and 243 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan (NDP) and NDP Review 2025. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future.
An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the MetroLink Railway Order in October 2025. This decision was subsequently subject to legal challenge, which, following successful mediation, has been withdrawn.
As the Deputy may be aware, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted AG2 documentation, including the Detailed Business Case, to the NTA and the Department earlier this year. The NTA and my Department are undertaking an integrated assurance process to accelerate review and approval times, rather than the usual sequential approach. This approach will maintain recent momentum gained on MetroLink while ensuring strong oversight at this stage, as the project prepares to move into detailed procurement. I expect to bring a recommendation to Cabinet over the coming two months, which will include an update on the estimated cost range.
Construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation in the 2030s.
Currently, a phased opening of MetroLink is not envisaged. However, the current construction programme facilitates phased testing and commission of sections of the route to enable a more efficient regulatory approval process. This may offer the opportunity for services to commence on sections of the line prior to completion of all works, which can be considered at a later date.
244. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport to report on the printer failure affecting the NDLS; the number of applicants affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54337/26]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
245. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether an application has been made by Cork City Council for road safety improvements on Cathedral Road, Harbour View road or Sunday’s Well in Cork city. [54360/26]
View answerNo application has been submitted by Cork City Council for road safety improvements on Cathedral Road, Harbour View road, or Sunday’s Well.
For 2026, under the Regional and Local Roads Grant Programme, six safety improvement projects for Cork City Council were allocated a total of €506,400.
Full details of the 2026 grant allocations are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/press-releases/ministers-for-transport-announce-over-15-billion-for-national-regional-and-local-roads/.
246. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether Irish Rail intends to expand the sensory pod pilot at Kent Station to other stations across the rail network; the plans that are in place to extend the pilot; if a timeline has been set for a wider rollout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54405/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the Oireachtas assigned statutory responsibility to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network and public transport infrastructure. The NTA in turn works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Irish Rail, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
As queries relating to rail accessibility, including the roll out of sensory pods in stations, are a matter for Irish Rail, I have referred your question to the company for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
247. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the outcome of all appeals made to the NTA in respect of vehicle clamping to date in 2026 (details supplied). [54451/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
On the 1st October, 2017, the NTA assumed responsibilities as the regulator of vehicle clamping activities in both statutory and non-statutory (privately-owned) clamping places throughout the State. They are responsible for the regulation of clamping activities, administration of second-stage vehicle clamping appeals, and investigation of complaints.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
248. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on a matter (details supplied) regarding Glenbeigh village, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54486/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. I note that there has been significant investment in Greenway schemes in County Kerry, with €9,950,000 allocated in 2026.
Under the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
249. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to extend the South Kerry Greenway to Rossbeigh beach (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54487/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. I note that there has been significant investment in Greenway schemes in County Kerry, with €9,950,000 allocated in 2026.
Under the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
250. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide a footbridge adjacent to the Behy Bridge on the Rossbeigh road close to the starting point of the South Kerry Greenway which is due to open within the next couple of weeks (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54488/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. I note that there has been significant investment in Greenway schemes in County Kerry, with €9,950,000 allocated in 2026.
Under the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
251. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport when the successor scheme to the disabled driver and passenger scheme will be introduced; if this will be in addition to the disabled driver and passenger scheme or if it will replace it entirely; to report on engagement with stakeholders on the successor scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54510/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that the Department of Transport has been tasked with developing a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS), to provide financial assistance towards the cost of adapting vehicles for people with disabilities.
The VAS is being developed as a standalone scheme and is not intended to replace the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, responsibility for which remains under the remit of the Department of Finance.
Over the past twelve months, the Department has made significant progress towards the implementation of the VAS. Through extensive stakeholder engagement and consultation, the Department has established the key principles and parameters underpinning the Scheme. In addition, a public consultation will be launched to seek the views of the public on the development and administration of the Scheme.
Subject to timely Government approval and the completion of the necessary preparatory work, it is possible that the VAS will open for applications in Q1 2027.
252. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport whether the costs of operating driving test centres are still covered by the OPW. [54514/26]
View answer253. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the current annual cost of providing and maintaining driving test centre accommodation. [54515/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 253 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driver Testing Service.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the Authority for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
254. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether the introduction of a barrier-free electronic tolling system on the Tom Clarke (East Link) Bridge has been considered in order to ease traffic congestion;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54520/26]
View answerUnlike other toll roads in the State, which are on the motorway and national road network and fall under the remit of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Tom Clarke (East Link) toll bridge is on the R131 regional road. As such, Dublin City Council is the relevant authority for all matters relating to the Tom Clarke bridge, and questions regarding the operation of the toll scheme on the bridge should be directed to the council.
